Department of Communication and Journalism professor named senior counsel of national professional society
Dr. Aerial Ellis makes an impact in both professional and collegiate chapters of PRSA
Cate Zenzen |
Dr. Aerial Ellis, instructor in Lipscomb University’s Department of Communication and Journalism, has been named as Senior Counsel to the Public Relations Society of America 2020 Board of Directors. Ellis is assistant professor in public relations and advisor to Lipscomb’s collegiate chapter, Public Relations Student Society of American (PRSSA).
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. PRSA is the principal advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct and provides members lifelong learning opportunities and leading-edge resources to enhance professional connections. With more than 30,000 members, PRSA is collectively represented in all 50 states by 120 Chapters and nearly 375 college and university campuses.
Dr. Aerial Ellis
Ellis, an active PRSA member, has also been appointed as a Board representative to the PRSA Foundation Board of Directors, and as a co-chair for the Champions for PRSSA. She has previously served as a board member for PRSA’s Nashville Chapter and as a member of PRSA’s Strategic Planning, Nominating, and Diversity & Inclusion Committees. Dr. Ellis was a fellow of the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations in 2014 and is co-founder of the Nashville Women of Color in Communication Network, a member of The Rotary Club of Nashville and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a board member of the Delta Dental of Tennessee -- the first African American woman and youngest person to be appointed to its corporate board.
At Lipscomb University, Ellis teaches courses in public relations, strategic planning, cross-cultural communication and leadership in Lipscomb University’s Department of Communication and Journalism, and guest lectures in the College of Leadership and Public Service.
The Lipscomb collegiate chapter of PRSSA will support the University of Memphis chapter as they host the PRSSA International Conference this October in Nashville. The chapter also houses Herd House, a student-run PR agency that recently acquired Nashville International Airport (BNA) as a client. Students will help launch the company’s online merchandise shop slated to kick off in April with a social media campaign and enhanced branding strategy.
The proliferation of new media choices in online and satellite radio is replacing the traditional media outlets as the primary source of news and entertainment. The Department of Communication and Journalism offers experiential learning with facilities and faculty to help students take control of and shape a career in communication. Degree programs prepare students for careers in digital, broadcast, print or public relations.